Alan Kyerematen Unveils Plan to Reform Free SHS and Empower Graduates.

Accra: Presidential aspirant Alan Kyerematen has announced a comprehensive plan aimed at reforming the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme in Ghana. His proposal seeks to ensure the programme's long-term sustainability and provide structured pathways for graduates to transition into higher education or the job market.According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Kyerematen shared his vision during the Presidential Encounters 2024, an event hosted by the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation. He emphasized the necessity for a thorough review of the Free SHS policy to fully realize its objectives. While acknowledging the programme's importance, he expressed concerns about its current form, which lacks provisions for life after SHS, posing the critical question: "After Free SHS, what next?"Mr. Kyerematen argued that without clear pathways for graduates, the policy's potential impact is undermined. To tackle this issue, he outlined reforms under his Great Transformational Plan (GTP), focusing on financial sustainability, infrastructure development, curriculum improvement, capacity building for educators, and transitioning graduates into tertiary education and the workforce. He stressed the importance of evaluating funding sources to ensure the programme's continuity, questioning, "Where are we going to find the money to sustain this?"Addressing infrastructure deficits in schools, Mr. Kyerematen called for improvements in classrooms, dormitories, and teaching facilities to enhance the learning environment and improve education quality. He also questioned whether the current curriculum adequately prepares students for modern economic demands and the job market, highlighting the need for capacity building for teachers and administrative staff.To prepare Free SHS graduates for post-school life, Mr. Kyerematen proposed innovative pathways under the GTP, including a compulsory one-year apprenticeship and internship programme. This initiative aims to provide hands-on training and certification in artisanal and entrepreneurial sk ills, helping graduates identify their talents and develop market-aligned skills.For graduates interested in entrepreneurship, he proposed access to government programmes offering funding, mentorship, and resources to establish and grow businesses. This initiative aims to foster youth-led enterprises, reduce unemployment, and boost economic activity. Additionally, the Health Screening Booths Scheme will allow graduates to operate health service booths, providing essential services and earning a stable income.For those aspiring to careers in national security, Mr. Kyerematen promised dedicated recruitment pathways into security services. Graduates wishing to pursue higher education will receive financial support to overcome financial barriers.Furthermore, Mr. Kyerematen criticized the neglect of basic and pre-basic education, arguing that strengthening these foundational levels is crucial for preparing students for SHS and beyond. He also unveiled a groundbreaking policy to mainstream digitalization, ple dging to establish 100,000 free satellite internet hotspots nationwide. These hotspots aim to provide seamless connectivity, benefiting students and content creators burdened by high data costs, and driving a digital revolution in Ghana.